Luke Nolen Arrives In England Ahead Of Black Caviar Ride

Luke Nolen has arrived at Newmarket Racecourse in time to take part in Black Caviar’s final track work before her English debut this weekend.

Black Caviar

Luke Nolen has arrived in England to ride Black Caviar - photo © Steven Dowden

The jockey, who has become famous for his association with the superstar mare, will ride Black Caviar in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot on Saturday.

Nolen was pleased to see the five-year-old appeared at the top of her game when he arrived.

“She’s in great order,” he said.

“She’s just like where she left off when I got off her last time in Australia”

“She was nearly 100% when she got on the plan to come over and Pete (Moody) planned it that way in case she struggled with the flight.

“He didn’t want to have to train her here”

The jockey confirmed that Black Caviar had adjusted seamlessly to her new surroundings and was only improving.

“She’s thrived since she’s been there,” Nolen said.

“Pete’s very happy with where she’s at so that makes my job a little easier.”

While there is concern from a great number of Australians over the prospect of keeping her unbeaten winning streak intact, Nolen is unfazed.

“Everyone seems to think that I should be worried about it,” the jockey said.

“I’ve got a great deal of faith in this mare and she loves a straight course.

“I haven’t got too many concerns about it so just looking forward to getting it over and done with on Saturday.”

Nolen revealed that he will undergo the same preparation for Saturday’s Diamond Jubilee Stakes as he would any other of Black Caviar’s 21 starts.

“My routine won’t change at all,” he said.

“You look forward to Saturday and you look forward to her finishing.”

The Bel Esprit mare will line up this weekend before another possible start in the Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket on July 14.

She is then expected to be flown home for another Melbourne spring campaign later this year.

 

 

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